AU2022203685B2

AU2022203685B2 - Cleaner Holder and Cleaner Unit

Info

Publication number: AU2022203685B2
Application number: AU2022203685A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mantae Hwang; Jonghyun Seo
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2018-07-30
Filing date: 2022-05-30
Publication date: 2023-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-04
Also published as: AU2019314058B2; KR20210100059A; KR102552342B1; KR102295181B1; EP4344594A1; KR20200046012A; KR102307787B1; CN211130863U; EP3769654B1; CN111867435A; EP3769654A1; KR20220051146A; US20230041649A1; CN114847796B; CN111867435B; AU2022203685A1; AU2019314058A1; TWI709388B; TW202007347A; DE212019000210U1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner holder. A cleaner holder according to one aspect comprises: a base; a stand coupled to the base and extending upward therefrom; a supporting body coupled to the upper side of the stand and supporting a cleaner; and a cleaning module support part coupled to the stand and supporting a cleaning module which can be separably coupled to an extending pipe of the cleaner. 4/8 [Figure 4] 400 420 4 0 440 110 220 22040 400 420 200 212 210 210 89841951.1

Description

4/8

[Figure 4]

400

420 40

440

110

220

22040 400 420

200

212 210 210

89841951.1

CLEANER HOLDER AND CLEANER UNIT

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaner holder and

a cleaner unit.

Background

[0002] A cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by sucking

and wiping dust or foreign substances from a region to be cleaned.

[0003] Such a cleaner may be classified into a manual cleaner

that performs cleaning while a user directly moves the cleaner and

an automatic cleaner that performs cleaning while the cleaner is

driven by itself. The manual cleaner may be classified into a

canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handheld cleaner, a stick

cleaner, and the like, depending on types of the cleaner.

[0004] The above-described cleaner may have a rechargeable

battery embedded therein, and the rechargeable battery may supply

electric power for operating the cleaner only when being frequently

charged. Thus, the cleaner requires a holder that can

simultaneously charge the rechargeable battery and hold the cleaner.

[0005] Contents of a vacuum cleaner holder are disclosed in

Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2012-0103956 as the

89841951.1 prior art.

[0006] The vacuum cleaner holder according to the prior art

includes a pedestal for holding a head of a vacuum cleaner to

simultaneously charge and hold the vacuum cleaner and a support

having charging pins for charging the vacuum cleaner.

[0007] The holder of the prior art only serves to seat the

cleaner. Therefore, in the case of various accessories such as

nozzles to be connected to the cleaner, a user needs to keep them

separately. Consequently, a storage space is required, and there

is a great fear of loss of accessories.

[0008] The reference in this specification to any prior

publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter

which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an

acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that

prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter

forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour

to which this specification relates.

[0009] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more

disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, provide

a cleaner unit, or to at least provide the public with a useful

89841951.1 alternative.

Summary

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure may

broadly provide a cleaner holder that may be capable of storing

accessories, such as a water cleaning module, which may be

connected to a cleaner, separately from holding the cleaner.

[0011] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may

broadly provide a cleaner holder that can be stored in a state in

which a mop attachable to a water cleaning module is detached.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may

broadly provide a cleaner holder and a cleaner unit, that may be

capable of stably supporting a cleaner by lowering the center of

gravity of the cleaner holder itself.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may

broadly provide a cleaner holder comprising: a base; a stand

extendig from the base; a support body coupled to an upper side of

the stand so as to support a cleaner wherein the cleaner has an

extension tube; and a cleaning module support coupled to the stand

and supporting a water cleaning module, wherein the water cleaning

module is configured to be selectively coupled to the extension

89841951.1 tube of the cleaner, wherein the cleaning module support is formed so that the water cleaning module may selectively be coupled or separated to or from the cleaning module support along the extension direction of the stand.

[0001] The cleaning module may comprise a floor cleaning module

that suctions dust, and a water cleaning module that performs water

cleaning.

[0002] The water cleaning module may comprise: a rotary

cleaning portion provided with a mop; and a driving device for

rotating the rotary cleaning portion.

[0003] The rotary cleaning portion may further comprise a mop

plate to which the mop is attached, the mop plate being coupled to

the driving device to rotate.

[0004] The mop plate may be provided to form a pair.

[0005] The water cleaning module may further comprise a water

tank that supplies water to the rotary cleaning portion.

[0006] The cleaning module support may be positioned between

the support body and the base.

[0007] When the cleaning module is coupled to the cleaning

89841951.1 module support, the cleaning module may be positioned between the support body and the base.

[0008] The cleaning module support may be detachably coupled to

the stand.

[0009] The cleaner holder may further comprise an extra nozzle

positioned behind the extension tube of the cleaner in a state in

which the cleaner is seated on the cleaner body, and wherein the

extra nozzle is selectively coupled to the extension tube to

replace the water cleaning module.

[0010] The cleaning module support may be positioned behind the

extra nozzle from the extension tube in a state in which the cleaner

is seated on the cleaner body.

[0011] The extra nozzle and the cleaning module may be coupled

to at least one of the support body or the stand at different

heights.

[0012] The cleaning module support may be positioned below the

extra nozzle.

[0013] The extra nozzle may be provided in plurality, and the

plurality of extra nozzles may be fixed to positions above the

cleaning module support.

89841951.1

[0014] The cleaner holder may further comprise: a first

charging terminal for charging a battery mounted on the cleaner;

and a second charging terminal for charging an auxiliary battery.

[0015] The battery and the auxiliary battery may be charged at

different heights.

[0016] The cleaner may further comprise a floor cleaning module

configured to suction dust and selectively coupled to the extension

tube.

[0017] When the cleaning module is coupled to the cleaning

module support, the auxiliary battery may be disposed to overlap

the cleaning module in a vertical direction.

[0018] The cleaning module support may be positioned on a

virtual straight line passing through a central axis of the

extension tube and a central axis of the stand at the same height,

in a state in which the cleaner is seated on the cleaner body.

[0019] The cleaning module support may be disposed between the

support body and the base to support the water cleaning module or

a floor cleaning module, and wherein, when the cleaner is supported

by the support body, the extension tube is spaced apart from the

stand.

89841951.1

[0020] The support body may comprise a cleaner support surface

such that the cleaner is seated thereon, and wherein, when the

cleaner is seated on the cleaner support surface, a first extension

line drawn along a central axis of the extension tube is positioned

forward of a second extension line drawn along a central axis of

the stand and positioned behind a third extension line drawn

downward along a front surface of the cleaner.

[0021] The cleaner may comprise a handle positioned forward of

the stand, and the extension tube extends downward between a front

end and a rear end of the handle.

[0022] The cleaning module support may comprise a stand

coupling portion coupled to surround the stand.

[0023] The stand coupling portion may comprise a hollow through

which the stand passes.

[0024] The stand coupling portion may comprise a module

coupling portion to which the cleaning module is coupled.

[0025] When the cleaner is supported by the support body in a

state in which the extension tube is coupled to the cleaner, and

the cleaning module is coupled to the module coupling portion, the

cleaning module may be positioned between the extension tube and

89841951.1 the stand.

[0026] When the cleaning module is coupled to the module

coupling portion, the cleaning module may be positioned between

the support body and the base.

[0027] The cleaning module support may further comprise a mop

storage portion for storing the mop.

[0028] The mop storage portion may be integrally formed with

the stand coupling portion, or may be detachably coupled to the

stand coupling portion.

[0029] The mop storage portion may be positioned on the opposite

side of the module coupling portion with reference to the stand.

[0030] The mop storage portion may comprise an upper surface

opening, and when the mop is seated on the mop storage portion,

the mop may protrude upward from the mop storage portion.

[0031] The lower surface of the mop storage portion may be

rounded, and a water discharge hole for water discharge may be

formed therein.

[0032] According to another aspect, the present disclosure may

broadly provide a cleaner holder that may comprise: a base; a stand

extending upward from the base; a support body coupled to an upper

89841951.1 side of the stand and defining a cleaner support surface protruding such that a cleaner is seated thereon; and a cleaning module support disposed between the support body and the base to support a cleaning module that is able to be detachably coupled to an extension tube of a cleaner.

[0033] When the cleaner is supported by the support body, the

extension tube may be spaced apart from the stand and the cleaning

module support in a protruding direction of the cleaner support

surface.

[0034] The protruding direction of the cleaner support surface

may be defined as forward from the stand.

[0035] A first extension line drawn along a central axis of the

extension tube may be positioned forward of a second extension line

drawn along a central axis of the stand and positioned behind a

third extension line drawn downward along a front surface of the

cleaner.

[0036] The cleaner may comprise a handle positioned forward of

the stand.

[0037] The extension tube may extend downward between a front

end and a rear end of the handle.

89841951.1

[0038] The first extension line may be positioned behind a

fourth extension line drawn along a protruding direction of a

finger guide protruding from the handle.

[0039] The cleaner may comprise: a cleaner body coupled to the

extension tube and seated on the cleaner support surface; and a

battery mounted on the cleaner body.

[0040] The battery may be positioned between a first extension

line drawn along a central axis of the extension tube and a second

extension line drawn along a central axis of the stand.

[0041] The support body may comprise: a first body provided

with a charging terminal for charging the battery; and a second

body protruding from the first body by a predetermined distance

and defining the cleaner support surface.

[0042] The cleaner support surface may be an upper surface of

the second body.

[0043] In addition, the predetermined distance may be smaller

than a minimum distance between the first extension line drawn

along the central axis of the extension tube and the second

extension line drawn along the central axis of the stand.

[0044] The support body may be positioned above a space formed

89841951.1 between the extension tube and the stand.

[0045] In a further embodiment there is described a cleaning

unit may comprise a cleaner and a holder placed on a floor surface

to support the cleaner at a predetermined height with respect to

the floor surface, wherein the holder may comprise: a support body

for supporting the cleaner; a stand coupled to a lower side of the

support body and extending downward; a base coupled to a lower side

of the stand and placed on the floor surface; and a cleaning module

support coupled to the stand and supporting a cleaning module that

is able to be detachably coupled to the cleaner.

[0046] The stand may transmit at least a part of the weight of

the cleaner to the base in a state in which the cleaner is seated

on the support body, and the cleaning module support and the stand

may transmit the weight of the cleaning module to the base in a

state in which the cleaning module is supported by the cleaning

module support.

[0047] The cleaner may further comprise an extension tube, and

a suction nozzle detachably coupled to the extension tube.

[0048] When the suction nozzle is coupled to the extension tube

and the cleaner is seated on the support body in a state in which

89841951.1 the extension tube is coupled to the cleaner, the suction nozzle may be seated on the base, and the extension tube and the suction nozzle may transmit a part of the weight of the cleaner to the base.

[0049] The cleaning module support may be coupled to the stand

between the support body and the base.

[0050] When the cleaner is seated on the support body in a state

in which the extension tube is coupled to the cleaner, and the

cleaning module is supported by the cleaning module support, the

cleaning module may be positioned between the extension tube and

the stand.

[0051] The holder may form an accommodation space for

accommodating an auxiliary battery separated from the cleaner.

Specifically, the support body may comprise an accommodation space

for accommodating the auxiliary battery separated from the cleaner.

When the auxiliary battery is accommodated in the support body,

the load of the auxiliary battery may be transmitted to the base

through the stand.

[0052] In a state in which the auxiliary battery is accommodated

in the support body and the cleaning module is supported by the

89841951.1 cleaning module support, the auxiliary battery may overlap the cleaning module in the vertical direction.

[0053] When the cleaner is supported to the support body in a

state in which the auxiliary battery is accommodated in the support

body, the cleaning module is supported by the cleaning module

support, and the battery is mounted on the cleaner, the auxiliary

battery may be positioned between the battery mounted on the

cleaner and the cleaning module.

[0054] When the cleaner is supported by the support body in a

state in which the battery is mounted on the cleaner, and the

cleaning module is supported by the cleaning module support, the

battery may overlap the cleaning module in the vertical direction.

[0055] In a further embodiment, a cleaner unit may comprise: a

cleaner body provided with a suction motor to provide suction force;

a battery mounted on the cleaner body; an auxiliary battery

separated from the cleaner body; an extension tube coupled to the

cleaner body; a suction nozzle detachably coupled to the extension

tube; and a holder on which the auxiliary battery is mounted for

charging, the holder supporting the cleaner body at a predetermined

height from a floor surface.

89841951.1

[0056] The cleaner body may be supported between the battery

and the auxiliary battery.

[0057] When the cleaner is supported by the holder, the

predetermined height may be defined between the height of the

battery and the height of the auxiliary battery.

[0058] The cleaner unit may further comprise a dust container

coupled to the cleaner body.

[0059] The holder may comprise: a base placed on the floor

surface; a stand extending upward from the base; and a support body

coupled to an upper side of the stand to support the cleaner body.

[0060] The holder may further comprise a cleaning module

support detachably coupled to the stand.

[0061] When the cleaner body is supported by the holder, the

suction nozzle may be into contact with the upper surface of the

base.

[0062] The upper surface of the base that is into contact with

the suction nozzle may be formed with an inclined surface.

[0063] The holder may form an accommodation space for

accommodating the auxiliary battery.

[0064] When the auxiliary battery is accommodated in the

89841951.1 accommodation space, the auxiliary battery may be charged independently of the battery.

[0065] When the auxiliary battery is mounted on the holder, the

auxiliary battery may be positioned below the battery.

[0066] When the cleaner is supported by the support body in a

state in which the battery is mounted on the cleaner, the auxiliary

battery may be positioned in the vertical direction of the battery.

[0067] According to some embodiments , since it is possible to

store accessories such as the water cleaning module which can be

coupled to the cleaner separately from mounting the cleaner on the

holder, the water cleaning module may be easier to store and may

be less likely to be lost.

[0068] The mops attachable to the water cleaning module may be

separately stored in a state of being separated from the mop plate,

thereby may reduce the risk of losing the mops and facilitating

the storage of the mops.

[0069] Further, according to the present disclosure, since the

water discharge hole is formed in the mop storage portion, the

phenomenon that the water dropped from the mops is collected and

contaminated in the mop storage portion may be prevented.

89841951.1

[0070] Further, according to the present disclosure, since the

cleaning module is positioned forward of the mops in a state in

which the mops are stored in the mop storage portion, the frontward

exposure of the mops may be minimized.

[0071] Further, since the cleaning module support is coupled to

the stand in a state of being positioned below the support body of

the holder, the center of gravity of the holder itself may be

lowered such that the holder may stably support the cleaner.

[0071a] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and

claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting

each statement in this specification that includes the term

"comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the

term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises"

are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0071b] The reference in this specification to any prior

publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter

which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an

acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that

prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter

forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour

89841951.1 to which this specification relates.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in

which a cleaner is seated on a cleaner holder according to an

embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cleaner holder of FIG. 1.

[0074] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the water

cleaning module that may be used in connection with the cleaner.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a process of assembling a

cleaner holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a front view of a cleaning module support

according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cleaning module support

according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state in which a mop

storage portion is coupled to a stand coupling portion according

to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the

mop storage portion is coupled to the stand coupling portion

according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

89841951.1

Detailed Description

[0080] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure

will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying

drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings

are designated by reference numerals, the same components have the

same reference numerals as far as possible even though the

components are illustrated in different drawings. Further, in

description of embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is

determined that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations

or functions disturb understanding of the embodiments of the

present disclosure, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0081] Also, in the description of the embodiments of the

present disclosure, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and

(b) may be used. Each of the terms is merely used to distinguish

the corresponding component from other components, and does not

delimit an essence, an order or a sequence of the corresponding

component. It should be understood that when one component is

"connected", "coupled" or "joined" to another component, the former

may be directly connected or jointed to the latter or may be

"connected", coupled" or "joined" to the latter with a third

89841951.1 component interposed therebetween.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in

which a cleaner is seated on a cleaner holder according to an

embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a side view of the

cleaner holder of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective

view of the water cleaning module that may be used in connection

with the cleaner.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cleaner holder 10 according

to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a support body

110 for supporting a cleaner 300.

[0084] The support body 110 may support the cleaner 300 and

charge a battery 301 mounted on the cleaner 300.

[0085] The cleaner 300 may comprise a cleaner body 310 having

a suction motor, and a battery housing 320 in which the battery

301 is accommodated.

[0086] An extension tube 314 to which a suction nozzle 316 is

coupled may be coupled to the cleaner body 310. Air and dust may

be suctioned through the suction nozzle 500 by suction force

generated by the suction motor.

[0087] In addition, a discharge port through which the

89841951.1 suctioned air is discharged via an internal filter may be formed on the front surface of the cleaner body 310.

[0088] External air is introduced into the cleaner body 310

through the suction nozzle 316 and the extension tube 314 by suction

force generated by the suction motor. The cleaner body 310 may

comprise a dust container 312 in which dust contained in air

introduced through the suction nozzle 316 is collected.

[0089] Also, the cleaner body 310 may comprise a handle 370

that the user can grip.

[0090] The handle 370 will be described in detail with reference

to FIG. 2.

[0091] The handle 370 may extend from one side of the battery

housing 320 to the front end of the cleaner body 310. For example,

the handle 370 may extend from the upper end of the battery housing

320 in a first direction (e.g., forward), be bent in a second

direction (e.g., downward), and extend to the front end of the

cleaner body 310.

[0092] The handle 370 may extend to form a hole into which a

user's hand is inserted. That is, the hole may be formed between

the handle 370 and the dust container 312.

89841951.1

[0093] The handle 370 may extend in a cylindrical shape having

a predetermined radius so that the user can grip the handle 370.

[0094] The handle 370 may be provided with a finger guide 371

that may limit the movement of the hand in a state in which the

user grips the handle 370. The finger guide 371 may be referred

to as a "movement limiting portion".

[0095] The finger guide 371 may protrude in a direction in which

the hole is formed.

[0096] For example, the finger guide 371 may extend in a

vertical direction from the inner circumferential surface of the

handle 370 defining the hole. The end of the finger guide 371 may

be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the

handle 370 in the extending direction of the finger guide 371.

[0097] Therefore, in a state in which the user grips the handle

370, some of the fingers may be positioned on one side of the

finger guide 371, and the other fingers may be positioned on the

other side of the finger guide 371. For example, the finger guide

371 may be positioned between the index finger and the middle

finger.

[0098] Therefore, the user may minimize the force required when

89841951.1 the user holds the handle 370 to push or pull the cleaner 300.

[0099] The support body 110 may comprise a first body 111 having

a first charging terminal for charging the battery 301 mounted on

the cleaner 300.

[00100] The support body 110 may further comprise a second body

112 protruding from the first body 111.

[00101] The second body 112 may protrude from the front end of

the first body 111 by a predetermined distance DH. That is, the

predetermined distance DH may be understood as a minimum length

from the front end of the first body 111 to the front end of the

second body 112. The second body 112 may support a part of the

cleaner 300.

[00102] In detail, the upper surface of the second body 112 may

support the cleaner body 310. Accordingly, the cleaner 300 may be

stably seated on the support body 110. Here, the upper surface of

the second body 112 may be referred to as a "cleaner support

surface". Thus, the predetermined distance DH may be referred to

as the length DH of the cleaner support surface.

[00103] Meanwhile, the second body 112 may define the upper end

of the spacing space formed by the extension tube 314 and a stand

89841951.1

220 described later in the front-rear direction.

[00104] That is, according to the second body 112 extending

forward from the first body 111, it is possible to form the spacing

space for storing the accessory to be described later. Thus, the

user access to the accessory may be facilitated.

[00105] In addition, according to the second body 112 defining

the bottom surface of the support body 110, the extension tube 314

may be coupled to the cleaner body 310 without any spatial

interference of the support unit 200, which will be described later.

Therefore, the user may easily combine or separate the cleaner 300

to the holder 10 without any spatial interference, thereby

improving user convenience.

[00106] The cleaner body 310 may be seated on the upper surface

of the second body 112. In other words, in addition, the support

body 110 may accommodate an auxiliary battery 302 that may be

mounted on the cleaner 300. For example, the second body 112 may

comprise a second charging terminal for accommodating the auxiliary

battery 302 and charging the accommodated auxiliary battery 302.

[00107] The charging of the cleaner 300 by the first charging

terminal (charging of the battery 301 mounted on the cleaner 300)

89841951.1 and the charging of the auxiliary battery 302 by the second charging terminal are independently performed.

[00108] Specifically, the charging of the cleaner 300 and the

charging of the auxiliary battery 302 may be performed at the same

time, or one charging may be charged and then the other charging

may be performed. For example, after the battery 301 of the cleaner

300 is fully charged by the first charging terminal, the charging

of the auxiliary battery 302 by the second charging terminal may

be started.

[00109] Extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be coupled to the support

body 110. The extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be detachable to the

cleaner or the like. In general, the cleaner may comprise a

plurality of nozzles 317, 318, and 600 that may be replaced with

the suction nozzle 316, depending on the purpose.

[00110] Therefore, the unused nozzles 317, 318, and 600 are

disadvantageously inconvenient to store.

[00111] However, if the extra nozzles 317 and 318 are stored in

a state of being coupled to the support body 110 as in the

embodiment of the present disclosure, the risk of loss may be

reduced and ease of use may be improved. Here, the unused nozzles,

89841951.1 that is, the extra nozzles 317 and 318, and the water cleaning module 600 to be described later may be referred to as "accessories".

[00112] The extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be coupled to the lower

side of the support body 110.

[00113] The accessories may be positioned between a lower end Sl

of the second body 112 and an upper end S2 of the base 210.

[00114] The holder 10 of the cleaner may further comprise a

support unit 200 for supporting the support body 110.

[00115] The support unit 200 may comprise a base 210 mounted on

a floor and a stand 220 provided on the base 210.

[00116] The stand 220 may be coupled to the upper side of the

base 210 and may extend upward. The stand 220 may be detachably

coupled to the support body 110.

[00117] For example, the lower end of the stand 220 may be

coupled to the base 210, and the upper end of the stand 220 may be

coupled to the support body 110. The stand 220 may be coupled to

the lower side of the first body 111.

[00118] The stand 220 may be coupled to the first body 111 at a

position lower than the center of gravity of the support body 110.

Although not limited thereto, the center of gravity of the support

89841951.1 body 110 may be positioned directly above the stand 220.

[00119] Therefore, the support body 110 may be positioned at a

predetermined height on the floor by the stand 220.

[00120] The length of the stand 220 is longer than the length of

the extra nozzles 317 and 318. Therefore, the extra nozzles 317

and 318 are spaced apart from the upper surface of the base 210 in

a state in which the extra nozzles 317 and 318 are coupled to the

support body 110.

[00121] The extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be disposed at

positions Fl and F3 in front of the stand 220.

[00122] In other words, the virtual extension lines Fl and F3

extending along the central axes of the extra nozzles 317 and 318

may be positioned forward of the virtual extension line C2

extending along the central axis of the stand 220 and/or the virtual

extension line F3 of the module coupling portion 420 to be described

later.

[00123] An extension tube 314 of the cleaner 300 may be

positioned forward of the extra nozzles 317 and 318.

[00124] In other words, the virtual extension line Cl extending

along the central axis of the extension tube 314 may be positioned

89841951.1 forward of the virtual extension lines Fl and F3 of the extra nozzles 317 and 318.

[00125] Here, the virtual extension line Cl drawn along the

central axis of the extension tube 314 may be referred to as a

first extension line. The virtual extension line C2 drawn along

the central axis of the stand 220 may be referred to as a second

extension line.

[00126] Thus, the extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be positioned

between the first extension line Cl and the second extension line

C2.

[00127] Further, the extension tube 314 may be positioned behind

the virtual extension line C3, which is drawn directly downward

along the front surface of the cleaner body 310. The extension

tube 314 may be positioned behind the virtual extension line C5

drawn along the extending direction of the finger guide 371

protruding directly downward to the handle 370 of the cleaner 300.

[00128] Here, the virtual extension line C3, which is drawn

directly downward along the front surface of the cleaner body 310,

may be referred to as a third extension line. The virtual extension

line C5 drawn along the extending direction of the finger guide

89841951.1

371 may be referred to as a fourth extension line.

[00129] The cleaner holder 10 may further comprise nozzle

supports 317a and 318b to which the extra nozzles 317 and 318 are

selectively coupled.

[00130] The nozzle supports 317a and 318b may be coupled to at

least one of the support body 110 or the stand 220. For example,

the nozzle supports 317a and 318b may be formed to extend downward

from the bottom surface of the support body 110.

[00131] The user may attach and detach the respective nozzles

317 and 318 to and from the nozzle supports 317a and 318b as

necessary.

[00132] Accordingly, the extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be easily

stored and used, thereby improving user convenience.

[00133] In order for the extra nozzles 317 and 318 to be coupled,

the nozzle supports 317a and 318b may be formed in, for example, a

cylindrical shape. The nozzle supports 317a and 318b may be fitted

to the extra nozzles 317 and 318.

[00134] The extra nozzles 317 and 318 may be provided with

locking hooks that are movably installed. For example, the locking

hooks may be engaged with or disengaged from the nozzle supports

89841951.1

317a and 318b by the operation of the user.

[00135] A water cleaning module 600 capable of suctioning air

and wiping the floor surface by using a mop with water may be

detachably coupled to the extension tube 314 of the cleaner 300.

[00136] For example, the water cleaning module 600 may comprise

module housings 610 and 630, a coupling tube 700 provided in the

module housings 610 and 630, one or more rotary cleaning portions

680 and 681 rotatably coupled to the lower sides of the module

housings 610 and 630, and one or more driving devices 671 and 672

provided in the module housings 610 and 630 to drive one or more

rotary cleaning portions 680 and 681.

[00137] The water cleaning module 600 may further comprise a

water tank 640 that is seated above the module housings 610 and

630. Water stored in the water tank 640 may be supplied to the

rotary cleaning portions 680 and 681 through the module housings

610 and 630 via an internal flow path.

[00138] The rotary cleaning portions 680 and 681 may comprise

mops 690 and 691 and mop plates 682 and 683 to which the mops 690

and 691 are attached. The water in the water tank 640 may be

supplied to the mops 690 and 691 through the mop plates 682 and

89841951.1

683.

[00139] The mop plates 682 and 683 may be coupled to the driving

devices 671 and 672 and rotated below the module housings 610 and

630.

[00140] The mop plates 682 and 683 may be provided as a pair.

The mops 690 and 691 may also be provided as a pair. Accordingly,

the mops 690 and 691 may be attached to and detached from the mop

plates 682 and 683, respectively.

[00141] The mops 690 and 691 may be in contact with the floor

surface to clean the floor surface during the rotation process.

[00142] When the user couples the suction nozzle 316 to the

extension tube 314 of the cleaner 300, it is possible to carry out

cleaning in such a manner that dust on the floor surface is

suctioned.

[00143] On the other hand, when the suction nozzle 316 is

separated from the extension tube 314 of the cleaner 300 and the

water cleaning module 600 is coupled to the extension tube 314,

the suction of the dust on the floor surface and the water cleaning

on the floor surface may be performed.

[00144] In this manner, any one of the suction nozzle 316 and

89841951.1 the water cleaning module 600 may be selected and coupled to the extension tube 314, and the other one should be stored so as to prevent loss.

[00145] In the present embodiment, the suction nozzle 316 may be

referred to as a "floor cleaning module".

[00146] When the cleaner 300 is supported by the support body

110 in a state in which the suction nozzle 316 is coupled to the

extension tube 314, the suction nozzle 316 may be seated on the

upper surface of the base 210.

[00147] In detail, the upper surface of the base 210 on which

the suction nozzle 316 is seated forms an inclined surface inclined

downward toward the front end.

[00148] That is, the front end 210a of the base 210 may be formed

as an inclined surface to support the suction nozzle 316 (see FIG.

2).

[00149] Due to this, the front end 210a of the base 210 may

stably support the extension tube 314, and the support body 110

may stably support the cleaner body 310.

[00150] That is, the cleaner 300 may be stably supported by the

base 210 and the support body 110. As a result, the cleaner 300

89841951.1 may be supported at two positions of the holder 10. The two positions may be positioned at the upper and lower sides of the holder 10, respectively, and may be spaced apart from each other.

Therefore, the cleaner 300 may be stably fixed to the holder 10.

[00151] In the present embodiment, in order to store the cleaning

module not used, the cleaner holder 10 may further comprise a

cleaning module support 400 for storing the cleaning module.

[00152] In the cleaner holder 10 the present embodiment, there

is an extra space between the extension tube 314 and the stand 220

and between the extra nozzles 317 and 318 and the base 210.

[00153] The extra space may define the front-rear direction by

the first extension line C2 and the second extension line C2. In

detail, the first extension line C2 may be spaced apart from the

second extension line C2 by a predetermined length DL. Here, the

predetermined length DL may be understood as a minimum distance

between the first extension line C1 and the second extension line

C2.

[00154] The minimum distance DL may be longer than the length DH

of the cleaner support surface described above (see FIG. 2).

[00155] Accordingly, in order to prevent the volume of the holder

89841951.1 from increasing, to facilitate storage, and to allow the user to easily access the stored cleaning module, the cleaning module may be supported on the cleaning module support 400 in a state of being positioned in the extra space.

[00156] In addition, the cleaning module support 400 may be

positioned on a virtual straight line L passing through the

extension tube 314 and the stand 220. The cleaning module may be

supported by the cleaning module support 400.

[00157] That is, the virtual straight line L may pass through

the extension tube 314, the stand 220, and the cleaning module

support 400.

[00158] Here, the virtual straight line L may pass through the

extension tube 314 and the stand 220 at the same height from the

ground. In detail, the virtual straight line L may be drawn to

pass through one point of the second extension line C2 positioned

at the same height as one point of the first extension line Cl.

[00159] That is, the virtual straight line L may be understood

as a straight line passing through the central axis of the extension

tube 314 and the central axis of the stand 220 at the same height

from the ground.

89841951.1

[00160] Since the cleaning module support 400 is positioned on

the virtual straight line L, the center of the cleaning module

coupled to the extension tube 314, the stand 220, and the cleaning

module support 400 may be aligned in the front-rear direction.

[00161] Due to this, since the cleaning module coupled to the

cleaning module support 400 is arranged to overlap the extension

tube 314 or the stand 220 in the front-rear direction, it is

possible to provide a clear appearance when the user views the

front of the holder 10. In addition, there is an advantage that

the size of the cleaner 300 and the holder 10 occupying a space

may be minimized.

[00162] In addition, when expressed with reference to the

cleaning module support 400, the cleaning module support 400 may

be positioned at a height H2 lower than the heights Hi and H3 of

the extra nozzles 317 and 18 in the extra space. The cleaning

module support 400 may be positioned (F2) behind the extra nozzles

317 and 318.

[00163] Hereinafter, an example in which the water cleaning

module is supported by the cleaning module support 400 will be

described.

89841951.1

[00164] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a process of assembling a

cleaner holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

FIG. 5 is a front view of a cleaning module support according to

an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a side view of

the cleaning module support according to an embodiment of the

present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a state in which

a mop storage portion is coupled to a stand coupling portion

according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8

is a plan view illustrating a state in which the mop storage portion

is coupled to the stand coupling portion according to the

embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00165] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the cleaning module support

400 according to the present embodiment may be coupled to surround

the stand 220.

[00166] For example, the cleaning module support 400 may

comprise a stand coupling portion 410 coupled to the stand 220 so

as to pass therethrough. The stand coupling portion 410 may

comprise a hollow 412 through which the stand 220 passes. That

is, the cleaning module support 400 may be coupled to or separated

from the stand 220 through the hollow 412.

89841951.1

[00167] The stand coupling portion 410 may be seated in a neck

portion 212 of the base 210 in a state in which the stand 220

passes through the hollow 412 of the stand coupling portion 410.

The stand 220 may be coupled to the neck portion 212 of the base

210.

[00168] A module coupling portion 420 for coupling the water

cleaning module 600 may be provided on the front surface 411 of

the stand coupling portion 410. Each of the water cleaning module

600 and the floor cleaning module is provided with a coupling rib

702 to be coupled to the module coupling portion 420.

[00169] The module coupling portion 420 may protrude forward

from the front surface 411 of the stand coupling portion 410. Here,

the module coupling portion 420 may be positioned (F3) behind the

positions Fl and F3 to which the extra nozzles 317 and 318 are

coupled.

[00170] The module coupling portion 420 may comprise a pair of

extension portions 421 protruding from the front surface 411 of

the stand coupling portion 410 and spaced apart in the horizontal

direction, and a coupling portion 422 connecting the front ends of

the pair of extension portions 421. A space in which the coupling

89841951.1 rib 702 is disposed may be formed by the pair of extension portions

421 and the coupling portion 422.

[00171] The coupling portion 422 may be provided with a slot 423

for accommodating a part of the coupling rib 702 so as to couple

the coupling rib 702.

[00172] Therefore, a part of the coupling rib 702 may be disposed

in the slot 423, and the other part thereof may be disposed in the

space formed by the pair of extension portions 421 and the coupling

portion 422.

[00173] The cleaning module support 400 may further comprise a

mop storage portion 440 for independently storing the mops 690

and 691. The mop storage portion 440 may be integrally formed with

the stand coupling portion 410, or may be detachably coupled to

the stand coupling portion 410.

[00174] Hereinafter, an example in which the mop storage portion

440 is detachably coupled to the stand coupling portion 410 will

be described.

[00175] The mop storage portion 440 may be coupled to, for

example, the rear surface 416 of the stand coupling portion 410.

That is, the mop storage portion 440 may be positioned on the

89841951.1 opposite side of the module coupling portion 420 with respect to the stand 220.

[00176] When the mop storage portion 440 is coupled to the rear

surface 416 of the stand coupling portion 410, the mops 690 and

691 are positioned behind the stand 220.

[00177] Accordingly, when the water cleaning module 600 is

coupled to the module coupling portion 420, the mops 690 and 691

may be covered by the water cleaning module 600, thereby minimizing

the exposure to the outside.

[00178] Since the mops 690 and 691 are formed in a disk shape,

the mop storage portion 440 may be formed in a substantially

semicircular shape in a vertical section so as to store the disk

shaped mops 690 and 691.

[00179] The mop storage portion 440 may comprise an upper surface

opening 441, and the lower surface thereof for supporting the mops

690 and 691 may be rounded.

[00180] Therefore, when the mops 690 and 691 are stored in the

mop storage portion 440, the lower sides of the mops 690 and 691

are supported on the rounded surface, and a part of the mops 690

and 691 may protrude upward from the mop storage portion 440.

89841951.1

[00181] Accordingly, the user may take out the mops 690 and 691

by holding the portion of the mop storage portion 440 protruding

upward from the mop 690 and 691.

[00182] In addition, a slot 442 in which a user's finger is

placed may be formed in the mop storage portion 440 such that the

user may easily hold the mops 690 and 691. The slot 442 may be

formed as a portion of the upper surface of the mop storage portion

440 is recessed so as to be rounded downward.

[00183] When the mops 690 and 691 are stored in the mop storage

portion 440 in a state in which the mops 690 and 691 keep water,

the water of the mops 690 and 691 may be stored on the bottom of

the mop storage portion 440. In this case, the mops 690 and 691

may be contaminated by the water, and bacteria may be generated.

[00184] Therefore, one or more water discharge holes 444 for

discharging water from the mops 690 and 691 may be formed on the

lower surface of the mop storage portion 440.

[00185] A pair of first coupling ribs 414 and 415 may provided

on the stand coupling portion 410 so as to couple the mop storage

portion 440 to the stand coupling portion 410, and the mop storage

portion 440 may be provided with a pair of second coupling ribs

89841951.1

446 and 447 so as to couple with the first coupling ribs 414 and

415.

[00186] The pair of first coupling ribs 414 and 415 may be formed

so as to be spaced apart in the horizontal direction and have a

substantially "'"-shaped horizontal cross section.

[00187] Further, the pair of second coupling ribs 446 and 447

may be formed so as to be spaced apart in the horizontal direction,

and may have a substantially "7"-shaped horizontal cross section.

The first coupling ribs 414 and 415 and the second coupling ribs

446 and 447 may be formed in the opposite shapes.

[00188] Although not illustrated, the lower ends of the pair of

first coupling ribs 414 and 415 may be provided with support

surfaces for supporting the lower ends of the second coupling ribs

446 and 447.

[00189] Therefore, when the mop storage portion 440 is moved

downward in a state in which the mop storage portion 440 is

positioned above the first coupling ribs 414 and 415, the second

coupling ribs 446 and 447 are engaged with the first coupling ribs

414 and 415 such that the mop storage portion 440 is coupled to

the stand coupling portion 410.

89841951.1

[00190] Both ends of the stand coupling portion 410 may be spaced

apart from each other when viewed from the above. That is, the

space portion 413 may be formed between both ends of the stand

coupling portion 410. The stand coupling portion 410 may be

elastically deformed by the space portion 413.

[00191] The first coupling ribs 414 and 415 may be formed at

both ends of the stand coupling portion 410.

[00192] When the interval between the pair of first coupling

ribs 414 and 415 is formed to be somewhat larger than the interval

between the second coupling ribs 446 and 447, the pair of first

coupling ribs 414 and 415 are elastically deformed to accumulate

the elastic force while the second coupling ribs 446 and 447 are

coupled to the first coupling ribs 414 and 415. Therefore, the

coupling force between the first coupling ribs 414 and 415 and the

second coupling ribs 446 and 447 may be increased.

[00193] In addition, the stand coupling portion 410 may be

provided with a limiting rib 417 that limits upward movement of

the mop storage portion 440 in a state in which the second coupling

ribs 446 and 447 are coupled to the first coupling ribs 414 and

415. In the limiting rib 417, at least a part of the second

89841951.1 coupling ribs 446 and 447 may be overlapped in the vertical direction.

[00194] According to the proposed embodiment, since it is

possible to store accessories such as the water cleaning module

which can be coupled to the cleaner separately from mounting the

cleaner on the holder, the water cleaning module is less likely to

be lost and easy to store.

[00195] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the weight of the

cleaner 300 is not only supported by the support body 110 but also

supported by the base 210.

[00196] That is, the weight of the cleaner 300 is not only

transmitted to the support unit 200 (finally, the base 210) through

the support body 110 but also transmitted to the base 210 that

supports the suction nozzle 316. That is, a part of the weight of

the cleaner 300 may be transmitted to the base 210 through the

extension tube 314 and the suction nozzle 316.

[00197] In addition, the load of the auxiliary battery 302

separated from the cleaner 300 and accommodated in the second body

112 may also be transferred to the base 210.

[00198] In addition the weight of the water cleaning module 600

89841951.1 may be transmitted to the base 210 through the cleaning module support 400 and the stand 220.

[00199] When the cleaner 300 on which the battery 301 is mounted

is supported by the second body 112, the battery 301 of the cleaner

300 may overlap the auxiliary battery 302 in the vertical direction

C4. Referring to FIG. 2, the auxiliary battery 302 may be spaced

apart from the battery 301 in the vertical direction.

[00200] In a state in which the auxiliary battery 302 is

accommodated in the support body 100 and the water cleaning module

600 is mounted on the cleaning module support 400, the auxiliary

battery 302 may overlap the water cleaning module 600 in the

vertical direction.

[00201] In detail, referring to FIG. 2, the center 01 of the

auxiliary battery 302 and the center 01 of the water cleaning

module 600 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical

direction. The water cleaning module 600 may be positioned

directly below the auxiliary battery 302 (see a virtual line 01

02).

[00202] The auxiliary battery 302 may be positioned between the

battery 301 and the water cleaning module 600.

89841951.1

[00203] Meanwhile, the cleaner body 310 may be positioned

between the battery 301 and the auxiliary battery 302.

[00204] As described above, the cleaner body 310 can be supported

by the support body 110. When the cleaner 300 equipped with the

battery 301 is supported by the second body 112, the cleaner body

310 may be supported to be positioned at a height H4-H5 between

the battery 301 and the auxiliary battery 302.

[00205] In addition, in a state in which the cleaner 300 equipped

with the battery 301 is supported by the second body 112 and the

water cleaning module 600 is mounted on the cleaning module support

400, the battery 301 of the cleaner 300 may overlap the water

cleaning module 600 in the vertical direction.

[00206] That is, the battery 301 may be disposed between the

first extension line Cl and the second extension line C2. Therefore,

the water cleaning module 600 disposed below the support body 110

may overlap the battery 301 in the vertical direction.

[00207] According to the present embodiment, since the

components having the weights are arranged so as to overlap each

other in the vertical direction in a state of being mounted on or

supported by the holder 10, the horizontal movement of the center

89841951.1 of gravity of the holder 10 on which the components are mounted may be minimized, thereby maintaining the holder 10 in a stable state.

[00208] Further, since the cleaning module support 400 is

coupled to the stand 220 in a state of being positioned below the

support body 110, the center of gravity of the holder 10 itself

may be lowered such that the holder 10 may stably support the

cleaner 300.

[00209] In the present specification, the cleaner 300 and the

holder 10 may be collectively referred to as a "cleaner unit".

[00210] Further, according to the present disclosure, since the

mops attachable to the water cleaning module may be separately

stored in a state of being separated from the mop plate, the risk

of losing the mops may be reduced and the mops may be easily stored.

89841951.1

[00210a] Although embodiments have been described with reference

to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be

understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form

and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit

and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[00210b] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in

the art without departing from the scope of the present invention

as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

89841951.1

Claims

1. A cleaner holder comprising:

a base;

a stand extending from the base;

a support body coupled to an upper side of the stand so as to

support a cleaner wherein the cleaner has an extension tube; and

a cleaning module support coupled to the stand and supporting a

water cleaning module, wherein the water cleaning module is

configured to be selectively coupled to the extension tube of the

D cleaner,

wherein the cleaning module support is formed so that the water

cleaning module may selectively be coupled or separated to or from

the cleaning module support along the extension direction of the

stand.

2. The cleaner holder according to claim 1, wherein the water

cleaning module comprises:

a rotary cleaning portion provided with a mop; and

a driving device for rotating the rotary cleaning portion.

89841951.1

3. The cleaner holder according to claim 2, wherein the rotary

cleaning portion further comprises a mop plate to which the mop is

attached, the mop plate being coupled to the driving device to

rotate.

4. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 2 and 3,

wherein the water cleaning module further comprises a water tank

that supplies water to the rotary cleaning portion.

5. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further

comprising an extra nozzle positioned behind the extension tube of

the cleaner in a state in which the cleaner is seated on the cleaner

body, and

wherein the extra nozzle is selectively coupled to the extension

tube to replace the water cleaning module.

89841951.1

6. The cleaner holder according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning

module support is positioned behind the extra nozzle from the

extension tube in a state in which the cleaner is seated on the

cleaner body.

7. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein

the extra nozzle and the water cleaning module are coupled to at

least one of the support body or the stand at different heights.

D

8. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further

comprising:

a first charging terminal for charging a battery mounted on the

cleaner; and

a second charging terminal for charging an auxiliary battery.

9. The cleaner holder according to claim 8, wherein the battery

and the auxiliary battery are charged at different heights.

89841951.1

10. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 8 or 9,

wherein the cleaner further comprises a floor cleaning module

configured to suction dust and selectively coupled to the extension

tube..

11. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

wherein the cleaning module support is positioned on a virtual

straight line passing through a central axis of the extension tube

and a central axis of the stand at the same height, in a state in

D which the cleaner is seated on the cleaner body.

12. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

wherein the cleaning module support is disposed between the support

body and the base to support the water cleaning module or a floor

cleaning module, and

wherein, when the cleaner is supported by the support body, the

extension tube is spaced apart from the stand.

89841951.1

13. A cleaner holder according to claim 12, wherein the support

body comprises a cleaner support surface such that the cleaner is

seated thereon; and

wherein, when the cleaner is seated on the cleaner support surface,

a first extension line drawn along a central axis of the extension

tube is positioned forward of a second extension line drawn along

a central axis of the stand and positioned behind a third extension

line drawn downward along a front surface of the cleaner.

14. The cleaner holder according to claim 13, wherein the cleaner

comprises a handle positioned forward of the stand, and

the extension tube extends downward between a front end and a rear

end of the handle.

15. The cleaner holder according to claim 14, wherein the first

extension line is positioned behind a fourth extension line drawn

along a protruding direction of a finger guide protruding from the

handle.

89841951.1

16. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 12 to 15,

wherein the cleaner has

a battery, and wherein, when the cleaner is supported by the support

body the battery is positioned between a first extension line drawn

along a central axis of the extension tube and a second extension

line drawn along a central axis of the stand.

17. The cleaner holder according to any one of claims 1 to 16,

wherein the support body comprises:

D a first body provided with a charging terminal for charging the

battery; and

a second body extending from the first body by a predetermined

distance,

wherein the cleaner is detachably mounted on at least one of the

first body and the second body.

89841951.1

18. The cleaner holder according to anyone of claims 1 to 17,

wherein the cleaning module support is disposed between the support

body and the base to support the water cleaning module.

19. The cleaner unit according to claim 18, wherein an upper

surface of the base is formed with an inclined surface.

20. The cleaner unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19,

wherein the support body has a cleaner support surface protruding

D such that the cleaner is seated thereon.

89841951.1